INSIDE: Ten Christmas tree ideas for celebrating the holidays today, BEFORE Thanksgiving. It is possible to celebrate the holiday season early and still honor meaningful Thanksgiving traditions — here’s how!
Do you remember the old movie, "You've Got Mail?" In the classic film, everything that could go wrong is going wrong, and at that moment, Kathleen Kelly (aka Meg Ryan) coined one of my favorite holiday quotes:
"It will all shake out. Meanwhile, I'm putting up more twinkle lights."
It has been a rough year, my friend. I hope "it will all shake out," but in the meantime, you could use some twinkly lights. Forget societal rules; you officially have permission to set up your tree ANY TIME in November.
I promise, it is possible to celebrate the holiday season early and still honor meaningful Thanksgiving traditions — we'll show you how below!
Christmas Tree Decorating FAQs
Before we begin, let's get a couple of FAQs out of the way!
How early is too early for Christmas? Any time before Halloween is officially too early, but anything after is fair game! Here are 7 Reasons Why You Should Start Celebrating the Holidays NOW.
Can I put up my Christmas tree before Thanksgiving? Yes, you can put up your Christmas tree before carving your Thanksgiving turkey. The biggest hang-up for many in the United States is an antiquated rule about waiting until the weekend after Thanksgiving to celebrate. Here's why you should forget that silly restriction!
Is it too early to put up the Christmas tree? If it is November, then no, it is not too early to put up your Christmas tree. As we head toward the winter solstice, our days get darker and darker. Coordinate setting up your Christmas tree around daylight savings. Go ahead, put up those twinkly lights! Science says it will make you happier.
What will my friends and extended family think if I put up my Christmas tree at the beginning of November? My friend, ask yourself — does it really matter?
The older I get, the more I understand that I don't need other people's permission to celebrate the holidays in a way that makes me and my family happy. I choose joy.
How To Decorate A Christmas Tree, If You Want To Set It Up NOW
Here are ten Christmas tree ideas and tips. Let's get started!
1. Kick-off the season extra early with a sweet Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.
Every year, we pull out our Charlie Brown Christmas tree on November 1. Really it is just a sweet pencil Christmas tree, but we call it that because it is tall and thin. Decorated with lights, this small Christmas tree is the perfect holiday touch without being overwhelming.
2. Cherish the warm glow of a twinkly neutral Christmas tree.
Keep it simple. Go with a minimalistic Christmas tree until after Thanksgiving; set-up your artificial Christmas tree with just twinkle lights and nothing else — no ornaments, no Christmas tree decorations. And if you've got a prelit Christmas tree, fantastic!
Want to know how to make a bare Christmas tree with lights feel absolutely magical? Use different sized twinkly lights. Couple traditional strands with small round bulbs, it creates a gorgeous holiday bokeh!
There's nothing cozier than a Christmas tree all lit up.
3. Instead of your classic tree skirt, try this Thanksgiving Christmas tree idea!
Just because you're bringing out the tree doesn't mean you have to put up all the Christmas decorations right away. For example, instead of using your holiday-colored tree skirt, find fun alternatives. A blanket wrapped around the base of the tree is a great way to play with textures!
Christmas Tree Photo Credit: King Of Christmas
4. Create a full-sized Gratitude Tree; in other words, set it up as a Thanksgiving Christmas Tree with these tips.
A simple gratitude tree is a way to honor the spirit of Thanksgiving while enjoying the twinkle lights. Seriously though, this is a super sweet tradition. A "thankful tree" is a simple concept you can execute in many ways!
This playful example from Crafts Unleashed would look amazing on an artificial prelit Christmas tree.
Can you imagine it? Cute craft tags with things your family is thankful for, plus mini-clothes pin Instagram pics on the Thanksgiving Christmas tree! So sweet.
Shop this Christmas tree idea:
- 7' King Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree with 500 Warm White LED Lights (Instagram Credit: Velveteen & Grace)
- Classic prints from Social Prints Studio
- Amazon Items: Kraft Gift Tags & Mini Clothes Pins
5. Embrace a more rustic Christmas tree.
Want to put the tree up, but not ready to go full-on festive? Play with natural Christmas tree decorations like pinecones, dried orange slices, and accents of burlap. A neutral farmhouse Christmas tree is a fun way to add some twinkle lights to your home without going full-on festive.
How beautiful is this rustic tree from Northern Feeling? <— See more details here. Gorgeous!
6. White pumpkins rockin' around this neutral Christmas tree are ADORABLE.
Don't hesitate to leave neutral pumpkins, gourds, and other fall decorations out with your rustic Christmas tree — they'll match perfectly. If you've played with dried oranges, traditional orange pumpkins could be cute too. Mix and match rustic fall items with your winter-themed Christmas tree decorations. Save Santa for after Thanksgiving!
Christmas Tree Photo Credit: King Of Christmas
7. Skip THIS and stick with a minimalistic Christmas tree.
Nothing is quite as festive as *red* Christmas tree ornaments and decorations. Stick with neutral colors and a more natural Christmas tree, then add your joyful pops of red (or any other bright colors!) after Thanksgiving.
8. Unique Christmas trees are everywhere on Pinterest.
There are so many fun ways to play if you're not ready to jump right into a festive Christmas tree right away. We've seen sunflower trees, rainbow Christmas trees, playful plaid trees, dried flower trees, photo Christmas trees, and even Harry Potter trees. When you decorate early, it is an opportunity to play!
9. Decorate your artificial Christmas tree to start and enjoy a live Christmas tree later in the season.
November 1 is a bit of a challenge for decorating a fresh Christmas tree. Enjoy a more neutral silver or white Christmas tree at the start of the season and then head to a Christmas tree farm later in the season and "cut your own tree." Go full-on festive! There's no such thing as too much Christmas spirit. Having multiple Christmas trees in the house is a fun way to bring more light and joy into the season.
Freshly cut Christmas trees smell of stars and snow and pine resin — inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night.
10. There are different types of Christmas trees — this one holds up the best for an extended period.
We highly recommend getting a Canaan Fir, which is a cross between the Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir. These trees are more expensive than traditional Christmas trees because they grow slower; however, the extra expense is worth it. Firs have stiff branches that hold heavier decorations, the pine needles won't shed, and the amazing scent makes the whole house smell like Christmas.
One last reminder…
Did you know that Canada celebrates its national Thanksgiving in October?
A little jealous? I was too.
Inspired by a Canadian friend, last year, our family ditched the "wait for Thanksgiving to be over" rule and began celebrating the holidays in early November. It was AMAZING and so much more relaxing.
I highly encourage you to get your tree up today. It will bring you so much joy.
One last reminder, it is not your responsibility to want the holiday season others want for you. Let go of the weight of the world's expectations, society's rules, and do your own thing. Rules are meant to be broken.
If your soul needs twinkle lights, put up twinkle lights!
Merry everything and happy always.
P.S. A quick question from a reader…
What about outdoor Christmas decorations?
There is a perk to decorating outside early: Studies show that your neighbors might think you're friendlier! Research has shown that people
interpret Christmas decorations on a home as a cue that the people inside are kind and sociable.
The time frame for outdoor holiday decorations might vary depending on what you've got to display. I am all for outdoor twinkle lights 365 days of the year, to be honest. Still, I respect the fact that my neighbors may not appreciate them!
My personal recommendation? Embrace the beauty of classic white holiday lights. They can go on the eve of daylight savings. The time change is a huge shift into darkness; we all need more joy this time of year! Save blow-up decorations, giant candy canes, and Santa related items until later in the season and enjoy a second wave of decorating!
Love this Christmas tree ideas post? Sharing it would make our week. 💛
It would make our week if you took a second to share this Christmas tree ideas post on your favorite social media spot. That's how we know we're on the right track and should continue writing more articles like this!
